I Took a North Korean to South Korea

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Ever since I took a class in college about “The History of North Korea,” I have been obsessed with the country. In April 2017, I had the rare opportunity to be one of the only Americans to spend 4 days in North Korea’s capital city of Pyongyang. There's no question that it's the most isolated and interesting place on earth.
In my early 20s, I spent 2 years living and teaching English in Seoul (South Korea) and I fell in love with Korean culture. To this day, I have a strong admiration for the entire Korean peninsula - its people, cuisine and lifestyle.
When I heard about a North Korean refugee named Munho - who escaped only a few years ago and found asylum in Thailand, I immediately contacted him. All of the 10 North Korean defectors that I've met in my life are female, with similar stories - so I knew this one would be special. Munho and I chatted on What's App for more than a year before this story was actually filmed.
Munho is an amazing guy and we had a BLAST wandering around Seoul together - comparing and contrasting life between North Korea and South Korea.
This is the very first time that Munho has publicly shared his escape story, and I'd like to thank him for being so kind, humble and open. He will be reading all of your comments, so please let us know your thoughts and reactions to this video, and to Munho's personal story! Thanks for watching and see you next week!
#Korea #travel
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👨🏻‍🦰 WHO AM I?
I'm Drew Binsky and I have been to EVERY country in the world (197/197). I make documentaries about interesting people and cultures in faraway places. My ultimate goal is to inspire you to travel because I think it's the best education that you can get. And our planet is beautiful!
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[@drewbinsky]

This story was an emotional one for me personally, because I lived & taught English in South Korea 🇰🇷 for 2 years and I spent 4 days traveling in North Korea 🇰🇵. Munho is an absolute rockstar. This is the very first time that he’s shared his escape story publicly, so let’s all share some appreciation for him in the comments below (which he will read!) My obsession with the entire Korean Peninsula has grown after meeting Munho and hearing his perspectives and wild stories. And at the end of the day - we are both the same (despite growing up in enemy countries) and we have become great friends! Thank you for being here to spend 20 minutes of your day to watch this story 🙏🏼 I hope you have a great day, and remember that freedom is not always free.

[@YouTubetail]

Hehe 😂 bro

[@AlexanderTheEvenGreater]

If possible one day you should travel to the more hidden, remote parts of North Korea, or maybe to the Chinese border in the mountains to the north. That would be fascinating! ;-)

[@MrMST6]

Very emotional history, I agree simple is the best, can't wait to see his movie

[@drewbinsky]

@@AlexanderTheEvenGreater i'm planning to, when i can visit North Korea next!!

[@drewbinsky]

@@MrMST6 me too!

[@denizocal9778]

I do feel bad that his family might be going thru a lot since he escaped alone.

[@drewbinsky]

So do I, we discuss this :)

[@bigboy6191]

They are all unalive probably

[@gabrielabdul8372]

I also fear for his family.

[@roketynoramallorca2882]

especially as he goes public now

[@kayleighgroenendal8473]

​@@Ambsdr723no that wasn't weird at all, it was more like "duh, there's no Internet" like come on drew, you know that 😅

[@j-tvla8497]

Small world -- Munho is a former language student of mine! We met through a nonprofit in Korea that helps with English language education to people from North Korea. He is incredibly intelligent, talented, and outgoing. I would like to stress that since arriving in South Korea, Munho has traveled well around the world and completed a specialized education in film. He briefly mentions that he is working on a script, but the program he was a part of was rigorous and intensive. Munho worked with well known Korean directors and film industry individuals. He will be known to the world sooner or later! He is one of the best people I have had the pleasure of meeting and have the honor of calling a friend! - much love, Jesús (지저쓰 쌤)

[@drewbinsky]

Wow this is SO amazing to hear!! Munho is the best and I’m so glad that you had the pleasure to spend time with him. I can’t wait for his film to be released !

[@L20412]

​@@drewbinskyimagine if the whole population in NK escaped at the same time

[@miau_OF]

the world is small

[@Kooczsi]

@@L20412genius

[@Spacemaaan]

@@miau_OF and flat!

[@DeannaFaeSallao]

Munho’s story is very empowering! Love how courageous he is! 🥹🥹🥹

[@drewbinsky]

Seriously!

[@Ambsdr723]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5mneWebi5hsbJIsi=4e8ps4mqTqwPHNxL Compared to her story ☝ It was *very* short and vague. Potong is a river that flows through Pyongyang and the district is called Potonggang-guyok ....this is the *capital city* But (!) Munho said *countryside* 06:26 He also laughed/smiles at 08:54 this is a strange reaction from an alleged defector. He either is fake or doesn't care so much about his family left behind. 북한에 버린 가족 생각날때 웃음이 나온다는 거 말이 됩니까? Also why didn't they defect together? Something is odd about this man 🤔 He's lying to Drew (Possibly) I can't find Munho (문호 탈북자/탈북인/탈북이야기) anywhere. So I suggested to add the hashtags #탈북자 and #탈북민 to this video so that other North Defectors can see this and give their opinion about him (see if he's legit) Drew said I can ask him (Munho) questions but I have not been provided his socials (?) He's already agreed to appear on KZbin on Drew's Channel...so no excuse about "protecting identity" + there are many North Defectors on KZbin telling their story. 06:16 "that was more difficult than cross the border" 이런식으로 농담하는 탈북자도 수상하다... 저도 한국에 살았고 탈북자들과 만났거든요 이런 탈북자 난생처음 보았습니다.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

This was wholesome, He seems like a good dude

[@drewbinsky]

He is THE MAN!

[@LaBrick4585]

Dreeew!!!!

[@asterios1928]

Drew it’s amazing how respectful you are to different cultures

[@drewbinsky]

Always gotta be respectful!

[@MrAsystole]

morals and principles my friend, you gotta develope it if you gonna travel all over the world, its very crucial, your life depends on it if you come to think about it

[@InvestedAdventure]

have to agree with you@@MrAsystole

[@waqqashanafi]

He literally busted his balls with the North Korean jokes the whole video lol

[@sydyoon]

I’m South Korean, and I love this content sooo much! And I’m so thankful that Drew still likes our country after all these years since he was an English teacher in Korea.

[@drewbinsky]

Korea is my favorite!!

[@emmanuelskilful2489]

Hello, I would like to visit south Korea soon, any tips?

[@user-lc4ud9mx3s]

​@@drewbinsky Please stop being sarcastic about Korea and stop paying attention to Korea.

[@user-lc4ud9mx3s]

​@@drewbinskyHey, this is a video you posted a few weeks ago, why are you posting the same thing again?

[@CJ-xg6ii]

Munho seems like such an all around great guy. So happy for him that he’s free to live a better life and explore the world. Looks like y’all genuinely got along so well and had a lot of fun. Think he’ll be a friend for life. Thanks to you both for sharing this. Blessings🙏🏾

[@Taff8]

Love how respectful you are with him. Listening is a skill many people lost

[@nana-chanl5650]

Munho seems like a very chill dude. Love how you guys enjoyed SK❤️

[@drewbinsky]

He's the best!

[@rouzierceline]

I nearly cried, this Is incredible. You brought your trip to the highest level and gave so much joy to your friend.

[@drewbinsky]

❤❤

[@luxgame246]

this guy was a really good choice to do a video with - funny. genuine, decent english, and has an interesting story. PLUS the San Diego jacket. Great video.

[@sneshubr5192]

I’d love to watch a video of you 2 in America, showing him places you visited as a child. That would actually be the best video ever

[@drewbinsky]

I love this idea !

[@Yourmomsbestfriend-203]

@@drewbinskyplease do it

[@norayr989]

I agree

[@creativesolutions2274]

This is a cool and empowering story. Drew and Munho has a good dynamic together.

[@drewbinsky]

I agre ! Thank you so much!

[@markbeck8384]

This was great. I too worked in South Korea (and I'm from the States) for a while, and it was a wonderful experience. I took a trip up to the North Korean border once, but didn't cross over. I loved Korea, and I wish everyone there the best of luck. It would be great if the two Koreas could join, and the get past the crazy political situation that now exists in the North.

[@drewbinsky]

Thanks for sharing your perspective! I pray for a reunification one day as well

[@alsadventuresofficial]

My man Drew bridging gaps! Thanks for the video!

[@chimebath85]

He’s a strong man, I hope his family is ok.

[@ChefRaisin]

That flight attendant was genuinely anxious about that

[@cdolce8699]

This video brought me to tears. Praying for Munho and his family 🙏.

[@sylverpc]

so heartwarming, thanks for sharing his story

[@18zeiler]

moonho have amazing energy and a amazing person that make me smile to see his side of the story and see him happy thanks you Drew!

[@mspears_bobobuddytheseniorcat]

Thank you Munho for sharing your story for the first time! I hope more of his dreams come true with making his film! Much love to you and Drew! ❤

[@STinAZnative]

Hey Drew - fellow Phoenician here! Love your channel and feel a little proud that you’re from my hometown. Go AZ! Munho is amazing. But I’m worried. Worried about his family, worried about him… And the South’s tendency to keep their new Northern brethren at arm’s length makes me a little sad. I wonder if the South is the right place to resettle after all. 🤔 I would like to see Munho’s films; do you have links? And I’d encourage him to write his story! I’d buy that book! --Peace and love!

[@familychanum8238]

Freedom no matter how small, is the greatest blessing on this earth 🙏 blessed u P.S Thanks for sharing your story Munho and Drew. Live long and prosperity. My brothers

[@AlanaNichole1989]

Munho seems like such a cool person! I really enjoyed this one!

[@beatrizcascelli]

Munho is such an incredible and inspiring human, despite everything he’s been through he continues to be so positive about life 🥰 thanks for sharing, Drew!

[@drewbinsky]

Thank yuo for watching! Yes, he is really the best!

[@dorisdalanon6663]

Congratulations to your friend Munho....Hope he will be successful in his dreams in life. God bless you Drew & your friend .

[@gaweekin524]

Korean classic cold noodle is Pyongyang naengmyeon (actually Seoul naengmyeon) with a clear broth and no spicy spices like chili. Korea's classic naengmyeon is the blandest in the world. No matter how spicy you introduce koreab food, it is an undeniable fact that traditional Korean food is not spicy at all, is mild, and brings out the natural taste of the ingredients.

[@JERIMIAH0ZENDIAH-db3gy]

Nice one Drew, Incredible video as ever!

[@prosandcons-fl2cc]

Thanks. This video really grounded me and made me realize how much easier my problems are.

[@princenwadeyi7348]

Absolutely amazing Drew and shout out to Munho what courage 🎉

[@Derhek]

I have mixed feelings to be honest at how the story is portrayed in a very light manner but I understand also the importance of communicating beyond the more serious channels about this. However I'm not sure the viewer gets a good sense of the severity of North Korea

[@Ambsdr723]

And we have the right to have mixed feelings. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqLaholuf6h0ipYsi=_kuybbWeeLOtfxFF Here is a news clip of a defectors family left behind in NKorea. They are begging him to come back. And Munho's reaction 08:54 ...?? Doesn't seem like the reaction of someone struggling with guilt.

[@peachxblue]

Love your videos, Drew! It was so interesting to hear Munho’s story. He is right, news media focuses so much on governments, but there are loads of people living in places that we don’t hear about. Thank you for sharing these stories.

[@drewbinsky]

Yes!

[@danielbrockerttravel]

Great idea for a video Drew!

[@esthersdaughterlong8149]

Such a beautiful story. Thank you Drew.

[@drewbinsky]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marvelousangeloseyer130]

totally agree with this! salute to you Drew Binsky!

[@allyrichards9207]

Prayers for his family 🌹

[@aneteilmete9493]

What a crazy story! Glad you guys had so much fun in Seoul, it was really fun to watch! :)

[@drewbinsky]

Thank you!! Munho is the best!

[@HighlandFace94]

I'm from the Philippines. and I got interested watching your videos, like this one wherein you're in the company of a north Korean friend going to South Korea. you two are like brothers loitering in the streets like happy children. wow that's beautiful story bro 👍

[@cindyk3076]

Munho is so brave and very interesting! I hope that someday he can speak to his family. Nice tour of Seoul and I find it exciting that there are N Korean restaurants and karaoke bars there which makes it nice for all of the others who have escaped to have a small connection to home.

[@robotmilker]

I recognize a good hugger when I see one; Munho seems like such a sweet dude! ❤

[@illuminated201]

This guy is real one. He haven't made any stories he kept it real not like Yeonmi Park she exaggerates everything and her story is full of lies making up everything. This guy didn't even said anything bad about his country North Korea cause that's his homeland and that how people should be so genuine and such a kind, honest ,loving guy. May God bless him

[@thesimslover82884]

More like Kim Jong Un only let's extremely loyal citizens leave. You literally don't see, nor ever will see the actual hurting people. Kim Jong Un is a dictator and monster.

[@JetsettersRus]

WONDERFUL VIDEO!!! ..I'd like to see you take Munho to other countries and see how he feels about the difference to North Korea, concerning the foods & laws. Please start with America.

[@abrahamdauphinais3175]

I would have never learned anything bout this type of stuff that people go through over there if it wants for your previous videos and this one with munho I hope one day he can reach his family and there are safe!

[@NoneTaken]

clicked for the story, left with inspiration

[@drewbinsky]

❤❤

[@londonmadeeasy6676]

Drew’s a likeable young lad. This channel really is top notch.

[@rae4166]

Please more videos with him! Show him more of the world he missed out on! Would love many collab videos of you guys ❤

[@GoodLifeInSpain]

Another great video! Another great story!

[@rickyt3961]

Thank you Drew! that was great. thanks for sharing and all the best to Moonho.

[@baldlyjoe]

This is a great content, Drew. Thanks for sharing, Munho.

[@drewbinsky]

Thanks bro!

[@unclearquestions]

Thank you for making this video. I’ll make sure I’ll take notice ❤

[@zeynepdenizxx]

Munho is such a cool awesome person. I’m looking forward to seeing him in your videos more.

[@makendestewart]

This is amazing Drew, great video❤️👑

[@drewbinsky]

Thank you!

[@BreezayPapiTV]

Amazing story. Amazing Country ! Keep it up Bro 🎉

[@drewbinsky]

Thank you 😀

[@beckyross2954]

My favorite video by far.

[@nancyayotte2297]

I enjoyed seeing you two together. He is charming and im so glad he got out of north Korea.

[@vanditkhanna7477]

Great Vid, Classic Drew 🔥

[@giannishen]

Your videos are always very meaningful, so great! Freedom is really important. For some people, losing freedom is like losing their soul! I am happy that he can be free, but sad that he must be separated from his family. This may not be an arrangement that everyone can accept! I hope that the dictatorship can end soon so that all mankind can gain freedom and happiness! Great share, thank you very much! 👍😉🙏

[@drewbinsky]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@giannishen]

@@drewbinsky It is my honor, thanks to you too! Take care! Happy travels! 👍🥰🙏

[@glen6258]

I hope I can gain the confidence to one day explore the world. These videos make me realize there’s a lot more to see and experience other than what you know. Thank you for sharing your journey

[@yvkiza]

Amazing video!! Thank you so much for releasing this for us to enjoy :)

[@_7heritage]

wow. such a cool and fun guy :) it was a very big mix of emotion to watch this video. thanks drew for sharing those stories!🌎

[@plutoo3114]

totally agree.

[@ainos1968]

My mom escaped North Korea in 1952. She was only 12 years old. I miss her so much. I really enjoyed this video. Thank you Drew and Muno.

[@Xxzelord.my.user.roblox]

🧢 🧢 🧢 cap pure cap 🧢

[@shakeelahali8727]

This was super cool to experience with you guys. I hope Munho lives is best life being free.

[@dieglhix]

both of you are amazing people

[@thecrazyhobo]

Munho has a great personality and an amazing life story. Does he have his own KZbin channel? If not, he should consider one! I'd definitely become a subscriber! I hope it's not the last we've seen of Munho.

[@drewbinsky]

He doesn’t, that I know of ! And yes he’s the man!

[@OwlKing686]

As much as I love the content of this channel and admire the people underneath it for creating it, I find it somehow disturbing and distressing that live animals are being diced alive with no one batting an eye and everyone dismissing it as "local culture". I sometimes wish channels like this one would not pink wash distressing realities like this one, or even the horror of having had to escape North Korea. We just can't make a North Korea vs South Korea comparison by looking at how friendly people are at a seafood market in downtown Seoul.

[@drewbinsky]

Thanks for your comment. I’m a documentarian. While this is more of a “vlog” as opposed to a cinematic “documentary” - I still have the same principles and that is to show the world how I see and experience it. Thanks again for being here 🙏🏼

[@OwlKing686]

@@drewbinsky Thank you for receiving my feedback. And thank you for being the person that you are. Giving you a big big virtual hug ❤

[@Zaque-TV]

Wolves kill by tearing the intestines out of their prey. Bears slowly eat their food alive. We all die. In this reality you kill to eat. Who created us this way? No one knows. So just start enjoying your life.

[@PerrincinaSprecaci]

You better not check out any videos on the food in the Faroe Islands 🐋

[@OwlKing686]

@@PerrincinaSprecaci I shall :)

[@sharairodriguez3388]

Munho seems like a cool guy! Thanks for sharing his story, Drew!

[@vikkihine]

Loved it thank you ❤

[@waitforollie]

THAT LIVE ANIMAL SCENE WAS HEARTBREAKING ALSO

[@sirelectricgaming3395]

Hello Drew Binsky I have been watching your videos for about 1 year now and they just keep getting better and better, I love your videos and this one is truely inspiring, also I have a question for you, do you know what that seafood market is called that you went to about 2 minutes into the video? I would love to go there and try the seafood.

[@drewbinsky]

Thank you! It's called the Noryangjin Fish Market

[@shepel8_76]

오마갓 문호형 여기서 보네요 잘지내시는것 같아 보기 좋아요

[@dddmnaa1231]

Munho's story is... awesome!!!!!!!!!!

[@galeparker1067]

Comparing the 2 fish markets...... I wonder which one HAS MORE WASTE!! Serious question!! 😢🇨🇦. ( I can very rarely afford seafood......)

[@DONTHASSLETHEHOFF]

Did the dude at the market sing Sweet Caroline in Korean or was it just similar? Great video!

[@drewbinsky]

Yep he did!!

[@user-ue9jq6fp9b]

Knocked it out of the park with this one, Drew

[@janetrubythambusamy9226]

I Hope you see munho soon again drew ❤

[@LorenIpsum75]

San Diego on Munho's sweatshirt! 😄👍

[@Internetuser435]

I used to live there. Great city

[@Aidann72]

Best city in California

[@ItsGage]

Munho is the man! 🔥

[@drewbinsky]

He really is!

[@petunia4ever]

I enjoyed watching this video.

[@CanadasElite]

That was really cool, thank you

[@ccgrueter]

Eating live octopus is a barbaric thing to do. Octopuses are intelligent cephalopods, and there is no doubt that they feel pain.

[@Niikko22]

I agree!

[@darylfortney8081]

the entire premise of the universe is barbaric... all plants and animals feel pain and eating just salt doesn't work

[@superrspace]

Absolutely. This should be illegal world wide.

[@user-lc4ud9mx3s]

It's dead. Tentacles twitch for a moment. Study. And don't eat anything. Animals and plants are living creatures 😂😂😂

[@ramblingsofadyingsoul7411]

I have mixed emotions here. There's such a fine line between getting someone's story out and exploitation. I hope you at least share the revenue your going to make off this video. I'm also worried about his safety and his family that are still in North Korea after showing his face here.

[@chrislnflorida5192]

He has such a great outlook and personality.

[@LilJollyJoker]

Awesome Video!

[@JelloFile]

Munho is a LEGEND...

[@drewbinsky]

Totally!

[@MamboNanoune]

Amazing 🤩

[@lrockroll]

I am so glad you came out alive. It must have been scary escaping alone. Your life will be a lot better now. God bless you!

[@debbax4838]

the video quality and editing is really good

[@Mike00982]

I'm glad that I found your channel and got to see this wonderful video.

[@drewbinsky]

Thanks, Mike!

[@fazecodfan673]

I think he would be a awesome co host to go on adventures with you !!!

[@drewbinsky]

I agree !!!

[@katmorgo1892]

This is one of your best videos thank you and thank you for going to Jackson Heights. That’s where I live.

[@patrickdinwiddie6113]

Fantastic ending! Great story on Mun Ho too!

[@Simpog7]

You are soo annoying asking that women if she met kim and telling her i enjoyed North korea when clearly she didnt did she and just stop talking sometimes feel the atmosphere

[@dossit1]

Hi Drew, I want to point out - as a jew - I know you are not following the Torah guidance but one of the most basic rules, which is also directed by G-d to non jews as ''The Seven commandments of Noah'' - is not eatting alive animals or take it apart while it's alive. It is cruel to the alive creature. The Torah allows to eat some sector of animals but direct exactly how to slaughter the animal in order to minimize it's pain not more than one second. What you eat become part of you, and when you eat in such cruel way, you scar your soul, numbs your senses, and as a Jew - you are so far from your own beautiful legacy. I wish you would visit and learn your won roots not less than searching the whole world. (On a side note - when you will discover your jewish roots, you won't be hungry to explore nothing else anymore) With much respect - you jewish sister - Dassy.

[@drewbinsky]

Thanks, Dassy

[@attache675]

Great video as always Drew! Munho made a tough decision especially with how NK persecuted families if one of their members defects. Such a fun and free spirit he has and kind of sad when he thought a prison in Thailand was vacation for him.

[@febriumbararusdi9514]

21:41 feels back in 80's, i love Korean music 😊👍

[@crystalhayden8337]

Hi Drew. I really hope you read this. I know you and your wife are extremely busy people. My name is Crystal Hayden. I am 50 years old and live in Pinnacle North Carolina right behind a huge mountain called Pilot Knob. I had a stroke in 2009. I've been in recovery from addiction for 13 years. I am a widow. My husband and I were together for 32 years. We have 3 children. I have never had the opportunity to travel. The only place I've been in Washington DC on a fifth grade trip with my oldest son many years ago. I'm almost finished watching your videos. I just finished Venezuela. I feel like you have shown me the whole world. Not just the propaganda we hear on TV, but the real world. The real people. Places, people, and things I'll never be able to see. I just want to thank you for what you do. I'm so happy for you and Deanna. The success you and her have is absolutely wonderful. You both deserve everything you have. I hope that there are children in store for you both. I believe you both would be amazing parents. There is so much you could teach a new generation of children. I just want you to know how grateful I am to you for showing me the whole world. Thank you and God bless you and keep you safe on further adventures.

[@cambosoupboy8641]

Love this video Drew! And love Munho! He's funny! Should bring him on to more adventures with you

[@krisstopher8259]

it was like watching chris and natsuki in japan

[@drewbinsky]

Yes I should!

[@Ilovepizzandnb]

Great Video Drew!!! I was just watching Somebody Feed Phil and saw you in his Dubai episode!!! Awesome to see you on Netflix!!

[@unapproachablelight]

So good!!